Romania defies Nastase controversy, beats Britain in play-off

Romania coach Ilie Nastase was kicked out of the tie on Saturday after a foul-mouthed rant compounded his controversial racial slur over Serena Williams's unborn baby.

Published : Apr 23, 2017 18:13 IST , Bucharest

Nastase was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Serena Williams.
Nastase was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Serena Williams.
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Nastase was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Serena Williams.

Romania brushed aside the controversy surrounding coach Ilie Nastase to beat Britain 3-1 in its scandal-mired Fed Cup play-off on Sunday.

Nastase, 70, a former world number one and two-time Grand Slam title winner, was kicked out of the tie on Saturday after a foul-mouthed rant compounded his controversial racial slur over Serena Williams's unborn baby.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is looking into his behaviour on Saturday and the day before, when he was overheard making derogatory remarks about US superstar Williams.

But Romania on Sunday let its tennis do the talking, sealing the World Group II tie when Irina-Camelia Begu defeated Heather Watson 6-4, 7-5 in Constanta.

Simona Halep had earlier put the hosts in control by beating Johanna Konta 6-1, 6-3. Defeat relegated Britain to the Europe/Africa Zone.

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